The Bobcat way

The culmination of Spirit Week was, in many minds, downright smashing.

The Student Programming Board hosted a Bobcat Rally prior to the men’s hockey game on Saturday night that included games, free food, face painting, and the fan favorite, a car-smash.

“I love the free food and the music, but my favorite event by far is the car-smashing,” sophomore Jane McGoldrick said after her turn with the sledgehammer.

Photo credit: Joe Pelletier

Students lined up by the Hill-Village circle to take a few whacks at an old car covered with “Yale sucks!” in blue paint. The car-smash had the second longest line Saturday, slightly shorter than the line for free hamburgers and hot dogs.

After signing a waiver, students suited up in gloves and goggles, and were given three chances to let rip on the 1987 Buick.

“We upped the ante this year,” junior SPB member Ramon Sanchez, who was in charge of the car-smash, said. “SPB has greatly improved over the years.”

SPB member Natalie Acone agreed.

Photo credit: Joe Pelletier

“We discovered better venues in which to hold our events,” Acone, a sophomore, said. “SPB has also been more creative than previous years.”

More than 300 students came by the Bobcat Rally in total, which also offered raffle prizes, posters, and a few rounds of free Bobcat merchandise.

“The Bobcat Rally has helped bring students together for a common cause, which is to beat Yale,” sophomore Frankie DiSomma said. “This not only helps get people passionate about sports, but to foster campus unity and facilitate interaction all across the social spectrum.”

Sophomore Dan Mascaro agreed.

“This year’s events have brought students together,” he said. “I would like to see events of this type more often, perhaps involving a student-oriented homecoming centered on the coveted Yale-QU hockey game.”

Quinnipiac ended up winning the sold-out game against Yale, 4-3.

Spirit Week concluded with the Bobcat Rally after a week-long series of festivities hosted by SPB. Students were offered free food in the “Taste of Hamden” event in the Suites dormitories on Thursday, and saw comedian Tim Young perform in Alumni Hall on Friday.

“This year’s Spirit Week has dramatically improved school spirit by bringing more students together than ever before,” Acone said.